2012 Dodge Ram Limited

Scheduled to be released sometime in the second quarter of 2012, the Dodge Ram Laramie Limited is a direct result of Chrysler “listening to customers and understanding what motivates them,” says Fred Diaz, CEO of Ram Truck Brand.

“The Ram Laramie Limited is intended to satisfy the very high demands of affluent pickup truck buyers seeking to combine functionality with luxury.”

Showcasing prime quality components, including full-leather seats, piano-black interior features, and understated exterior badging. The Dodge Ram Laramie Limited provides enhanced luxury, different than the very popular southwestern design of the Ram Laramie Longhorn pickup.

Exterior

The Ram Laramie Limited has a frontal design the same color as the body, with fog lights – along with a corresponding painted back bumper. The 2500 and 3500 versions in white and silver have chrome front-side and back bumpers, and the chrome grill encompasses billet inserts just like the ones included on the Ram Sport trucks.

On each side of the truck you will find chrome molding, mirrors, door handles and side steps. The badging on the tailgate has the familiar ram’s head logo with the word “Limited” in italics.

The Ram 1500 Laramie Limited will have 20 in. forged aluminum wheels, while the heavy-duty Ram Laramie Limited versions will have 17 in. polished aluminum wheels with the Ram brand name stamped in the center.

The available colors for the Ram 1500 Laramie Limited will be metallic silver, white, cherry red pearl, metallic mineral grey, blue, and black. The Ram Laramie Limited heavy-duty versions will be available in metallic silver, white, metallic mineral grey, and black.

Interior

The 2012 Dodge Ram Laramie Limited features a contemporary, plush interior that includes:

  • Natura Plus leather seats coverings with gray stone leather piping and stitching
  • Big center double-stacked console with French-stitched leather top
  • Steering wheel and shifter wrapped in leather – console on the 1500 and column on the 2500/3500 – X stitch detailing
  • Leather wrapped front and rear door trim
  • Remote LED lighting for door handles – full-length lighting for front and rear map pockets
  • Glossy piano-black center stack with liquid graphite bezels and chrome vent rings
  • Gauges with pad-print chrome rings and printed with “Designed in Detroit” – liquid graphite gauge needles
  • Glove box detailed in pinstripes, black, and chrome “Limited” badge
  • Foot-well lighting
  • Premium carpet floor mats – seat back map pockets with chrome Ram-lettered metal buckles – Ram-branded anti-scuff door sill plates

Added Features

  • Navigational radio
  • Remote start
  • Back-up camera
  • Power adjustable pedals with memory
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Heated front ventilated seats – heated rear seats

Your Choice

The 2012 Dodge Ram Laramie Limited is available in the following versions: 1500 – 1/2 ton, 2500HD – 3/4 ton, 3500HD single and double rear wheel – 1 ton, Crew Cab & Mega Cab, 4-wheel drive and 2-wheel drive, short or long wheelbase.

January 6, 2012 at 3:02 pm | No comment

2013 Subaru BRZ

The new 2013 Subaru BRZ is rated among the best affordable sports car, due to its track-ready performance and affordable price.

This car was built by Subaru in collaboration with Toyota, and it hit the market in spring of 2012.

It faces competition from rivals that may look like a guest list at a Hollywood premiere.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: $25,495.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons (33.5l) MPG: 22 city / 30 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 166.7 in. (423.4 cm) Wheel Base: 101.2 in. (257 cm)
Height: 50.6 in. (128.5 cm) Width: 69.9 in. (177.5 cm)
Curb Weight: 2762 lbs (1252 kg) Ground Clearance: 4.9 in. (12.4 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 6.9 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: 4 Cylinder DOHC Subaru Boxer® Displacement: 2.0 Liter cc
Horsepower: 200 HP Max RPM: 7000 RPM
Torque: NA Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 6.1 seconds 1/4 Mile: 14.6 seconds
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Limited A/T MSRP: $27,495; MPG: 25 city / 34 hwy

Engine & Performance

This rear-wheel drive is powered by a 2.0L flat 4-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 151 lbs-ft of torque. This engine is connected to a standard 6-speed manual transmission, although customers can opt for the 6-speed automatic transmission with rev-matched downshifts and steering column shift paddles. With these, a 2013 BRZ equipped with the manual transmission is able to go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, while the one fitted with the automatic transmission does it a second slower at 7.9 seconds.

A manual-equipped BRZ nets a fuel economy of 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. A BRZ equipped with the automatic transmission gets a fuel economy estimated at 25/34 mpg city/highway. The BRZ gets a lot of praises due to its strong brakes, excellent handling and athletic handling. In fact, it’s handling and braking beats those of perennial favorites.

Exterior

The 2013 BRZ comes with it sports-car appearance to go with its short tail, long nose and swooping roofline. The hood is made of aluminum, which help in keeping the overall weight down. This 4-seat compact coupe is offered in 2 trim levels: Premium and the Limited model.

The Premium trim comes with standard features that include: automatic bi-xenon headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, summer tires and LED running lights. The Limited trim further adds a rear spoiler and fog lamps to its exterior.

Interior

The BRZ comes in a driver focused design with easy to use controls. The cabin is textured with a hard plastic trim. The front seats are comfortable and provide ample support, while the rear seats would be suitable for short people or children.

The tachometer is located in the middle of the gauge cluster, enabling the driver to monitor the engine’s information clearly. This tachometer also accommodates a digital speedometer. The BRZ has a cargo space of 6.9 cubic feet, which can be increased by folding the rear seats. This cargo space is more than that of the Mazda Miata, and almost equal to that of the Nissan 370Z.

Safety & Reliability

The Subaru BRZ is equipped with many safety features. Standard features in all trims include: electronic stability and traction control, antilock brakes, driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, emergency trunk release, 4-wheel ABS, daytime running lights and brake assist.

This car gets a basic warranty running through the first 3 years or 36,000 miles, in addition to the 5-year or 60,000 miles engine warranty.

Pros

  • Excellent steering
  • Light and well-balanced chassis
  • Comfortable front seats
  • Peppy 4-cylinder engine.
  • Elegant styling

Cons

  • Small trunk
  • Audio control
  • Relatively modest acceleration
  • Tight rear seats.

The 2013 Subaru BRZ is a delightfully fun car to drive. If you are shopping for an affordable sports car that combines great handling, light weight and excellent performance; then, the BRZ is the car for you.

Competition

This is where the Subaru BRZ joins the fray with some of the big boys, the comparisons include that with the V6 Nissan 370Z (MSRP $33,120; 18 city / 26 hwy), the V6 Dodge Challenger (MSRP $25,195; 18 city / 27 hwy), and the mild mannered Hyundai Genesis coupe (MSRP $24,250; 21 city/ 30hwy).

Overall Rating
80 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2013 Subaru BRZ shows that simplicity and leanness can provide more driving thrills than complex, high-horsepower sports cars costing several times as much.”Car Connection

“This car is new from the ground up. It’s Subaru’s only vehicle that doesn’t come standard with all-wheel drive. It’s not even optional, as the car’s internals are so packed in that an AWD system won’t fit. It does have the brand’s trademark horizontally opposed “Boxer” 4-cylinder engine.”Consumer Guide

“Standard equipment includes a Torsen limited-slip differential, electric power steering, 17-inch alloy wheels, summer performance tires and Vehicle Stability Control with traction control that includes five different modes.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2013 Subaru BRZ is a compact rear wheel-drive sports car that exists solely to engage its driver and deliver high-performance thrills on the streets and at the racetrack.”KBB

“Light and well-balanced chassis; excellent steering; high fuel economy; comfortable and spacious front seat; abundant standard features; distinctive styling…Small backseat and trunk; frustrating audio controls; relatively modest acceleration.”Edmunds

January 5, 2012 at 11:37 pm | No comment

2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Only a few names like the Ford Mustang are more revered than the tagline Boss. It is best known as the performance package for the 1970 Mustang that went on to win Trans-Am races. And now, for the current crop of Mustangs, the Boss name has been revived, much to the delight of enthusiasts of this legendary sports car. But how does the 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 edition stack up?

Tradition

True to the tradition, the new Boss is developed for the performance enthusiast. As for the looks, it gives a great salute to the Mustang’s colorful past, complete with racing stripes and hockey stick graphics. And with a new yellow paint job that gives a salute to 1970 Trans Am champion Parnelli Jones; the nostalgia is taken to another level.

Performance

But nostalgia is not just the only thing that makes the new Boss stand out from the others. Improved performance, true to the design ethos of the original Boss, has been accomplished thanks to a long line of modifications. A 302 cubic inch/5.0 liter engine is used for this car.

Thanks to extensive modifications, a maximum output of 444 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque is evenly distributed to all revs. A six speed manual transmission and an optional Torsen limited slip differential are incorporated to transmit all those power to the rear wheels. Adjustable struts and shock absorbers provide sharper, track-ready handling. And unique 19 inch wheels provide superior grip.

The 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 is a proper salute to the Mustang’s colorful past. Equally adept to both road and track, the boss is back.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: $40,310.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.8 gallons (60 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 17 city / 26 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 188.2 in. (478 cm) Wheel Base: 107.1 in. (272 cm)
Height: 55.1 in. (140 cm) Width: 73.9 in. (254 cm)
Curb Weight: 3580 lbs (1625 kg) Ground Clearance: NA in. (188 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 13.4 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: 32 Valve V8 DOHC Displacement: 4951 cc
Horsepower: 444 HP Max RPM: 7400 RPM
Torque: 380 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds 1/4 Mile: 13.2 seconds

January 5, 2012 at 8:57 pm | 5 comments

2012 Audi R8 LMS Ultra

The Audi R8 is synonymous to racing success. Previously used to name perhaps the greatest Le Mans prototype racer, the R8 was used to represent Audi’s supercar. The R8 name did not stay on the road though, as the R8 name made its way back to the track. Thanks to the R8 LMS GT3, Audi was able to dominate the touring car scene for the last 3 years, winning 12 different championships and winning a grand total of 115 races.

However, Audi, not resting on its laurels, created its successor that aims to continue the tradition. This successor is the 2012 Audi R8 LMS Ultra.

Thanks to the work of Audi’s subsidiary Quattro GmbH, the daunting task of improving an already strong sports car has been accomplished with great results. Using the inputs of those that owned the R8 LMS GT3, these inputs are then utilized to improve the Ultra. The result is a car that is made to keep winning and exceed even the loftiest expectations.

Performance

New carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) doors and new energy absorbing foams not only reduce the car’s overall car weight but also increase the car’s overall safety. A new PS1 safety seat further increases safety even more. An updated transmission is created to provide better toughness necessary for endurance races.

The 5.2 liter V10 produces a maximum output of 570 horsepower, designed to fit in with GT3 regulations standards and last for thousands of kilometers. And with improved aerodynamics and suspension settings, the 2012 Audi R8 LMS Ultra is poised to continue the Audi R8’s legendary reputation.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Racing Car Base Price: $429,497.00
Dimensions
Length: 176 in. (447 cm) Wheel Base: NA
Height: 47 in. (119.5 cm) Width: 78.1 in. (198 cm)
Curb Weight: 2756 lbs (1250 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Performance
Engine: 40 Valve V10 DOHC w/ VVT Displacement: 5200 cc
Horsepower: 570 HP Torque: 369 lb-ft
Torque: 369 lb-ft Fuel Tank Capacity: 31.6 gallons (120 liters)

January 4, 2012 at 8:57 pm | 5 comments

2013 Audi A1 Quattro

The 2013 Audi A1 Quattro is going to be a very popular model – in fact, just 333 of the cars are going to be manufactured, ensuring a special product indeed for someone lucky enough to snap one up.

Performance

The car engine produces 256 hp, and will go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, topping out at a highest speed of 245 km/h – that’s 152 mph. Although the engine is just 1984 cc, it is turbocharged and provides 350 Nm of torque to the wheels at anything from 2500 to 6000 rpm.

Audi have spent time squeezing out every last ounce of power and fuel efficiency to give the very best performance. It will perform at over 27 miles per gallon (US), but has an acceleration power to match some of the best sports cars it might meet at the highway junction.

Drivetrain

With a six speed transmission, and highly developed and electronic clutch, the gears operate extremely smooth and effectively.

Power steering is sensitive and also efficient, with a ratio of 14.8:1 giving great control. The wheels they control are 8×18 cast alloy, and designed to match the extremely distinctive white metallic finish of the car, although the roof is contrasted with a black gloss appearance. To highlight the small bars in the headlights, these are painted in red.

Special Edition

The interior is designed with a stylish black finish, in leather alongside red seams to pick out the design. There are multi way adjustments to the seats and matching seams on the floor mats complement the seat design.

The dashboard controls are nicely laid out, with a red tachometer and white needles. A leather finish steering wheel contains the serial number of the car, which will be anywhere from #1 to #333.

Available from the second half of 2012, this fantastic car will be enjoyed by its owners, and the luxury of the fitted control systems, the sound systems and capability for Bluetooth and networking will keep both drivers and passengers fully networked and connected to the rest of the world.

An outstanding car, whose owners will truly enjoy both as a great vehicle to drive, but also as a real collector’s item.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: £41,020
Fuel Tank Capacity: NA Miles Per Gallon: 33 mpg combined
Dimensions
Length: 156.9 in. (398.7 cm) Wheel Base: NA
Height: 55.7 in. (141.6 cm) Width: 68.5 in. (174 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 7.42 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: 4-Cylinder Turbo Displacement: 2.0 Liter
Horsepower: 250 HP Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 2500-4500 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds Maximum Speed: 152 mph (245 km/h)

January 4, 2012 at 2:19 pm | 1 comment

->